Euphorbia dendroides
Tree spurge
Euphorbia dendroides, commonly known as Candelilla, is a succulent shrub native to the arid regions of Mexico. Renowned for its milky latex, this resilient plant is primarily harvested for high-quality wax. Beyond industrial uses, it holds significant botanical interest for its unique physiological adaptations to harsh, desert environments.
- Scientific name: Euphorbia dendroides
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Euphorbia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Euphorbia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Euphorbia dendroides, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Greek, it is referred to as Ευφορβία η δενδροειδής, while in French, it is called Euphorbe arborescente. It is known in Arabic as فربيون شجري and in German as Baum-Wolfsmilch, whereas in Catalan, it is commonly called lleterassa.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| el | Ευφορβία η δενδροειδής | Wikidata |
| fr | Euphorbe arborescente | Wikidata |
| ar | فربيون شجري | Wikidata |
| de | Baum-Wolfsmilch | Wikidata |
| ca | lleterassa | Wikidata |
| nb | Trevortemelk | Wikidata |
| co | Lattonu | Wikidata |
| hr | Drvenasta mlječika | Wikidata |
| cs | pryšec dřevnatý | Wikidata |
| pl | Wilczomlecz drzewiasty | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is native to several specific regions within Southwestern Europe. Its geographical range includes the Balearic Islands, known as Baleares. It is also documented to grow in Corsica, or Corse. Additionally, the species can be found throughout the territory of France. Finally, its distribution extends to Sardegna and the various regions of Spain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the candelilla shrub, is a succulent species where the primary medicinal interest lies in its various aerial parts. The leaves are typically small, fleshy, and somewhat thick, serving to conserve moisture in its arid habitat. When harvesting for the production of candelilla wax or for botanical study, the entire aerial parts—including the stems and foliage above the ground—are utilized, as they contain the specialized substances characteristic of the Euphorbia genus.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Euphorbia dendroides has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, terpene, triterpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Euphorbia dendroides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include COVID-19.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |